Dream Jobs
Have you imagined being a chart-topping singer, professional athlete, or crime scene investigator? What will it take to turn your dream job into reality?
Professional Sports
Think you're destined to be the next Adrian Peterson or Joe Mauer? First, add up all the people you know who have the talent and drive to go pro. Multiply that by every community in the United States. While gaining fame and fortune through sports is possible, the reality is it's very unlikely. Check out the odds yourself:
| Sport | U.S. High School Student Athletes | NCAA Students Drafted to Pros | Your Odds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Football (boys) | 1,109,278 | 250 | 4,437 to 1 | |
| Basketball: | boys | 540,207 | 44 | 12,277 to 1 |
| girls | 439,550 | 32 | 13,736 to 1 | |
| Baseball (boys) | 472,644 | 600 | 788 to 1 | |
| Hockey (boys) | 36,475 | 33 | 1,105 to 1 | |
| Soccer (boys) | 391,839 | 76 | 5,156 to 1 | |
Source: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Celebrity Musician
Want to be the next American Idol? Not every singer got his or her start by entering a contest. Check out the odds of making it onto the popular TV show for a new perspective on your chances of making it big:
| Number of U.S. Chorus Members * | American Idol Finalists** | Your Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 28,500,000 | 36 | 791,665 to 1 |
*Source: Chorus America survey of adult and children's chorus members
**Source: Season Eight of "American Idol"
More to Think About
Still interested in pursuing your dream job? Then be ready for competition. These jobs are considered "popular" for a reason. New graduates, career changers, and job seekers from other states also compete for these openings.
Be sure to do your research so you know what you are getting into. One way to find out if a career is a good fit for you is to test drive the occupation.
